On Saturday, September 7, 24.3 million Algerians are set to head to the polls to elect their new president.
Three candidates are in the running: opposition leader Youcef Aouchiche of the Front of Socialist Forces, Abdelaâli Hassani Cherif of the Movement of Society for Peace, and the incumbent president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is running as an independent.
Over the past three weeks, the candidates have campaigned across Africa’s largest country, focusing on key issues such as economic development, improving living conditions for the youth, and tackling corruption within the elite, often referred to as the “Isaaba” or gang.
Political analysts suggest that voter turnout will be a crucial factor, with many predicting that Tebboune is likely to secure a second five-year term.
The election, initially slated for December, was rescheduled, a move some critics argue works in Tebboune’s favor. Despite running as an independent, Tebboune has received support from three political parties, including the major National Liberation Front (FLN) of former president Bouteflika, which has been actively campaigning on his behalf.